Your Guide To Advance Directives

In an ideal world, we would all be able to express our wishes to our loved ones up until death. This is unfortunately not always possible. All too often people suffering severe illness or injury are unable to communicate what they want for end-of-life care and treatment. This can create dissension among family members who may have differing opinions on how to proceed.

With an advance directive in place, you can provide clear, meaningful guidance to your loved ones in the event you become incapacitated. For many, an advance directive is a vital component of an estate plan. For years, families across Suffolk County, Nassau County and beyond have placed their trust in Shivers Law Group.

What Is An Advance Directive?

An advance directive is a legally enforceable document that informs your loved ones as to your wishes should you become incapacitated and unable to express your desires. In New York, there are two different kinds of advance directives, each with their own unique uses.

• Health care proxy: This document puts in writing your wish to give another individual the ability to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so.
• Living will: When you have a medical condition that has left you incapacitated and unable to communicate, a living will can lay out your wishes regarding how far you want medical providers to go to keep you alive. These can include directions about when to administer CPR, when not to resuscitate or intubate, and whether you want artificial nutrition and hydration.

Both a health care proxy and a living will can contain do not resuscitate (DNR) orders if necessary.

We understand the difficult nature of these discussions and will give the counsel and guidance you need to make wise decisions. Treating families with respect and dignity is at the heart of our practice. You can be confident in our ability to help you through this difficult time.

Find Out How Our Attorneys Can Help

To set up a free initial consultation in our Garden City or Sayville office, call 631-438-1965 or send an email. Our lawyers make home, hospital or nursing home visits for your convenience.